Failing to come to an agreement on long-term reauthorization
for the Federal Aviation Administration, committee leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and
Senate have agreed upon a 14-month extension just before the current authorization's
July 15 expiration. The measure would extend funding for the FAA’s programs through
Sept. 30, 2017, at current levels, but awaits a final vote in both the House and Senate.

Expansion of the Transportation Security Administration’s
PreCheck program is central to the measure. It directs TSA to partner with the
private sector to develop enhanced enrollment and vetting methods to increase
the number of trusted travelers and increase operational efficiency of TSA
checkpoints. It also aims to reduce passenger wait times by optimizing TSA
staffing models.

The FAA extension also addresses safety concerns like drone
activity around both airports and critical infrastructure, as well as during
emergency situations. It enhances the hiring process for air traffic control
personnel and strengthens mental health screening requirements for pilots. It
also requires training to help flight attendants recognize and respond to
potential human trafficking victims.

As important as what the measure includes is what it doesn’t
include: neither an effort to address an outdated air traffic control system nor
initiatives to bolster airport infrastructure, both of which require long-term
investment.

In a statement, U.S. Travel Association president Roger Dow praised
the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science
& Transportation Committee for supporting critical security and consumer
needs with the FAA extension. "The language expanding TSA PreCheck gives
the travel industry the most cause to celebrate. TSA PreCheck is a rare
'win-win' program that both bolsters security and vastly improves the airport
screening experience for flyers," he said. "Above all, though, we
stress that Congress must find a way to deal with our aviation system's
crumbling, outdated infrastructure. If America is to remain an attractive,
welcoming destination for all travelers, the next FAA reauthorization must
include long-term fixes for our airports."

House committee members Bill Shuster (R-Penn.)
and Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Senate committee members John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) stated
they are "committed to working together on a
longer-term reauthorization that includes other important reforms benefiting
all passengers and Americans who depend on a safe aviation system."